Hooghly, 25 April (H.S.): Cash amounting to Rs 2.10 lakh was seized from a car in the Dhaniakhali area of Hooghly district, triggering a political row ahead of the elections, the police said.

The incident took place late on Friday night at Somsapur Dakshin Shimla village, where locals grew suspicious after spotting a white car moving around the area and intercepted it. On being informed, police and election officials reached the spot and conducted a search of the vehicle.

During the search, Rs 2,10,880 in cash was recovered. The occupants of the car allegedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the source of the money, following which it was seized, the police added.

The seizure sparked a war of words between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress (TMC). TMC candidate Asima Patra alleged that the cash was meant to influence voters on behalf of the BJP. However, BJP candidate Barnali Das dismissed the allegation, calling it a conspiracy by the TMC.

The police said an investigation is underway to ascertain the source and intended use of the seized cash.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey